Braille cell, dots 1-3-4-6

In English Braille, ⠭ stands for x. Its six-dot pattern uses dots 1, 3, 4, and 6—the layout often searched as Braille dots 1346. Another language or notation code may assign the same pattern a different value.

Braille grew from earlier attempts to make raised dots and letters readable by touch. Charles Barbier's point-writing system was an important predecessor; Louis Braille reduced its large cell and reshaped the code for fingertip reading. The system also serves music, mathematics, and other notation.

Why can't the dots be read on their own?

The code and sequence provide the reading. Braille adapts its cells for different languages and specialist notation, so the same pattern can represent different letters or values. An isolated cell does not identify one universal letter.

Moon type, another tactile reading system, took a different route: it uses simplified raised print shapes instead of dot cells.